winners of 5 straight

En route to making history at the Country Club of Fairfield, the 10-person team from the Bay State displayed sheer dominance as they posted 77 total points, including 55 1/2 today during the singles matches. Connecticut finished in second place with 41 points, while Rhode Island came in third with 17 points.

Heading into the final day of play, it appeared that Team Massachusetts simply needed to hold on since it held a sizable 11 1/2 point lead following Monday's foursomes matches.

The team did more than just hold on, however, as they won seven of ten singles matches outright. Frank Vana, Jr. (Marlborough CC), Jack Kearney (Elmcrest CC), Mike Calef (Brockton CC) and Philip Smith (Vesper CC) highlighted the incredible team performance by collecting a maximum of six points in their matches.

Steve Tasho (Thorny Lea) and Joe Keller (Oyster Harbors Club) came through with 5 1/2 points, while Paul Murphy (Charles River CC) and John Hadges (Thorny Lea GC) registered 5 and 4 1/2 points, respectively.

Brian Higgins (Franklin CC) and Dan Falcucci (Cyprian Keyes GC) scored 3 1/2 points each to cap off what was truly a dominating two days of golf for Team Massachusetts.

As a result of the victory, Massachusetts becomes only the second state to accomplish such a feat in the event's 80-year history. Only Connecticut has won as many consecutive titles (1967-71 and 1976-80).

Massachusetts will look to become the first and only team to capture six straight titles next year when they host this annual event at Old Sandwich Golf Club in Plymouth.

--Courtesy MGA

View results for Tri-State Matches